Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Iger has hinted that Disney might pull its productions out of Georgia if the state’s anti-abortion law takes effect.
The executive said in an interview with Reuters on Wednesday that the company would find it “very difficult” to keep its productions in the state should the impending ban on abortions come into effect next year. However, Iger did not go so far as to make any firm commitments.
“I rather doubt we will [stay],” Iger said. “I think many people who work for us will not want to work there, and we will have to heed their wishes in that regard. Right now we are watching it very carefully.”
“I don’t see how it’s practical for us to continue to shoot there,” he added.
Earlier this month, the state’s governor, Brian Kemp, signed a bill that aims to outlaw abortion after the detection of a fetal heartbeat. The bill is expected to take effect on Jan. 1, 2020, pending any legal battles.
Disney pulling its productions out of Georgia would potentially be a huge blow to the state. A number of Disney blockbusters, including Marvel Studios’ “Avengers: Endgame” and “Black Panther,” have recently filmed in the Georgia, taking advantage of the state’s liberal tax incentives.
Several producers have already said they would boycott filming in Georgia in response to the law, while others have pledged to donate their earnings to groups fighting the action, including the ACLU.
Earlier this week, Netflix Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos said the company — which also has significant investment in Georgia — would work with those groups bringing legal challenges to the law and would “rethink” filming in the state should the law take effect.
Disney did not immediately respond to TheWrap’s request for comment.